Investment in Urban Development Sees Significant Increase Compared to 2004-2014: Hardeep Puri

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Jan. Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, said that 2023 was an exceptional year for urban governance in India. During a press conference, he stated that since 2014, the government has implemented transformative programs to develop urban infrastructure and strengthen urban governance, with a particular focus on improving the welfare of the poor.

The Minister highlighted the significant benefits that various sections of society have received from these interventions. Street vendors, informal urban workers, women, girls, low-income and middle-income families have all benefited from initiatives aimed at providing them with housing, tap water connections, sanitation, and other basic services.

In terms of urban transformation, the Minister emphasized that a staggering amount of Rs. 18.07 lakh crores has been invested in urban development since 2014. This represents a 12-fold increase compared to the period from 2004 to 2014.

As an example, he mentioned the PMAY (U) scheme, which has approved 1.18 crore houses, a significant increase from the 13.46 lakh houses approved under the JnNURM and RAY schemes.

Regarding the achievements in 2023, the Minister mentioned the extension of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011 until 31 December 2026. This extension exempts certain JJ clusters from punitive action and allows sufficient time for reforms and inclusive measures.

He also highlighted the success of the PM SVANidhi scheme, which has surpassed the milestone of 50 lakh beneficiaries, with the current number standing at 58.89 lakh beneficiaries. Additionally, the scheme has disbursed over Rs. 10,000 crores.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), nearly 12 lakh houses were constructed in 2023, averaging a delivery of 1 lakh houses per month. The Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 has also achieved significant milestones, remediating 879 lakh metric tonnes of waste, clearing 336 dumpsites, and reclaiming 3,708 acres of land.

Furthermore, over 68 CBG plants were approved under the GOBARdhan scheme for effective resource recovery from organic waste. The Minister also highlighted the achievements under the AMRUT mission, surpassing the targets for water tap connections and sewer connections. Currently, there are 1.87 crore water tap connections (original target: 1.39 crores) and 1.47 sewer connections (original target: 1.45 crores).

In terms of urban mobility, the Minister commended the Metro systems across the country for surpassing 1 crore daily ridership. In August 2023, the Delhi Metro alone witnessed a daily ridership of over 72 lakh passengers.

He also mentioned the inauguration of India’s first rapid rail service, the Namo Bharat train, by PM Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023. Additionally, the PM-eBus Sewa scheme was launched on 16 August 2023 with the aim of deploying 10,000 electric buses to enhance bus operations.

Overall, the Minister highlighted the significant progress made in urban governance and development in India, showcasing the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.